The final exam and grade transfer exams often require students to spend many hours continuously studying, reading materials and using electronic devices. Prolonged exam preparation pressure not only affects mental health but also increases eye strain, dry eyes and headaches in children.
According to Dr. Priyanka Singh, an ophthalmologist and eye surgeon at the Neytra Eye Center (India), the number of students experiencing eye-related problems during the exam season is trending upwards due to prolonged study time and increasing use of electronic devices.
Focusing on viewing from a close distance for a long time can cause the eyes to work continuously and easily fall into a state of overload. The habit of reading books or using computers and phones for many hours also reduces the frequency of natural blinking, thereby causing dry eyes, eye strain and visual stress.
In addition to academic pressure, factors such as studying in poor lighting conditions, often staying up late or not getting enough sleep can also make eye strain worse.
Signs of eye strain parents need to pay attention to
According to experts, many children often do not recognize vision problems or think that discomfort is just normal fatigue. Therefore, parents need to pay attention if children regularly rub their eyes, blink continuously, have red eyes or complain of headaches after studying.
In addition, manifestations such as blurred vision, light sensitivity, holding a book too close to your eyes, or difficulty concentrating when reading can also be signs that your eyes are overloaded.
Ways to help protect your eyes during exam season
To reduce the risk of eye strain during the exam season, experts recommend that students apply the 20-20-20 rule. Accordingly, after each 20 minutes of study, children should look away about 20 feet (about 6 meters) for at least 20 seconds to help the eyes relax and reduce visual stress.
Parents should also limit the time children use phones and computers for entertainment purposes during the exam preparation period. If online learning is needed, computers or laptops should be prioritized instead of phones because screens are larger and easier to observe.
It is necessary to arrange a study corner with enough light, avoid studying in too dark conditions or letting light reflect directly into the eyes and screen. In addition, blinking frequently and drinking enough water every day also helps limit dry eyes when studying for a long time.
Dr. Priyanka Singh recommends that parents should let their children maintain a balanced diet, get enough sleep and combine with reasonable rest to reduce eye strain during the exam season.
In addition, periodic eye exams are also very necessary to detect early vision problems and promptly adjust them, avoiding affecting children's learning and exam performance.
